Jean Downs Rich Murray, who was known for her dedication and commitment to the Tallahassee community, died Friday, May 8, 2009. She was 79. Jean was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 27, 1929, as the only child of Minnie Lee Jones and Charlie C. Downs. At age 5, Jean and her parents moved to Memphis, Tenn., where she spent her childhood. When Jean graduated from St. Agnes Academy, her yearbook horoscope stated, "Never to expect Jean idle," and those words proved true for most of her life. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, A.F. "Pete" Rich Sr., and by her second husband, Marvin F. Murray. Jean was active in many civic organizations. She served as the President of the Tallahassee-Leon County Humane Society, steered committee members to celebrate FSU's 25th anniversary as a co-ed university, was a board member of the Extra Point Club of FSU, was one of the founders of the Tallahassee Civic Ballet, was President of the Woman's Club of Tallahassee and was recognized as an Outstanding Tallahassee Volunteer for her contributions. She was also one of the founders of the Lighthouse Children's Home where she served as President. Jean was also active in many other civic organizations and causes in the Tallahassee Community. Jean always loved the history and old homes of Tallahassee. She worked with the Woman's Club of Tallahassee to save the Old Capitol Building, was honored for her contribution to the preservation of Florida's historical heritage and was instrumental in the restoration of the Bowen House. She also served as Chairman of the Tallahassee Architectural Review Board, as well as a member of the Board for the Florida Heritage Foundation. At the request of Betty McCord, founder of Springtime Tallahassee, husband Pete and Jean were active in founding the festival as we know it today. Pete became the first President and Jean the first Chairman of Springtime Tallahassee Inc., and as ambassadors of the event, they were the first Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Later Jean became President of the Florida Festivals and Events Association. Since 1992, Jean and Marvin enjoyed their retirement years in Tallahassee and Cashiers, N.C., with family and their menagerie of animals. Jean is survived by children, A.F. "Bud" Rich Jr. (DeeAnn) and Laura Lee Rich (Cathy Turner); grandchildren A.F. "Lee", Victoria Alan and Jennifer Kathryn; godsons Charles and Geoffrey Pennington; " other daughters," Kim Carter Crosby and Pam Cothran Marsh, longtime caregiver and dear friend, Juanita Colson; and her dog, Charlie. The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. EDT, Monday, May 11, 2009, at Roselawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Woman's Club of Tallahassee in Los Robles immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lighthouse Children's Home, 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309, or to Tallahassee-Leon County Community Animal Service Center, 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311.

Published in Tallahassee Democrat on May 10, 2009.